Longines Conquest Cal.19 AS Automatic 18ct 1954 1st Edition

Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers with an unparalleled history of invention, innovation, patents and awards. The company is also responsible for some of the most beautiful watches ever made, but it has been treated as something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity until relatively recently. Longines is now rightfully returning towards the elevated status it once held in the pre and post-war years when it ranked among the very best among of Swiss watch manufacturers. It is really only within the past three years that Longines vintage watches have risen again to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising of by around 15 – 20% per year. And on certain models, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed!

Why This Watch Is Important

Longines has long been associated with sports and outdoor activities – Olympic, equestrian, skiing and more recently, tennis. However, this really only scratches the surface. This Longines Conquest, first released in 1954, comes with considerably more heritage than you probably expect. As early as 1899, (The company had existed almost 70 years by that time!) Longines supplied timekeepers for the Arctic expedition led by Prince Luigi Amedeo of Savoy. Later, in 1947, Longines began providing ships with chronometers and other timing devices for the ‘Expeditions Polaires Francaises’, founded and led by scientist and polar explorer Paul-Emile Victor, who launched several research expeditions to the Arctic (Greenland) and the Antarctic (Terre Adelie). More significantly for our purposes, these expeditions were also supplied with specially designed Longines wristwatches.

This was a full six years before the Rolex supported ‘conquest’ of Everest, by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, which many of you will know, led to the launch of the ‘Explorer’, also released for the first time in 1954.

Perhaps by coincidence, or perhaps prompted by the huge celebrations surrounding the Hillary expedition success,  Longines released its Conquest model, coinciding with the launch of Rolex’s Explorer Oyster Perpetual model. As Longines carried a considerably higher status than Rolex, the Longines Conquest was considerably more expensive in 1954, than the Rolex Explorer.

The example you see here is one of the first Longines Conquest models. Produced in 18ct gold, its movement serial number shows it was manufactured in 1954.

Following its restoration of the movement, case and dial by our specialist team, this example is in immaculate condition.

It is certainly a tribute to the original Conquest model range that Longines has recently released a number of Conquest Heritage models which celebrate the success of the original Conquest range. Not only this but Longines has taken a further step towards making the Conquest Heritage a real tribute by using the same 35mm case size.

The Dial

As we have seen, the Longines Conquest has much in common with the Rolex Explorer, but this example also has similarities with the Omega Constellation of the same period which has a remarkably similar case-back. It also carries very similar hour indices to those used on the Omega Constellation Deluxe of the same year, an example of which can be seen here.

However,  the beautifully accomplished dial execution you see here has an individuality the Longines Conquest claims all its own. Two-tone ivory-cream with a broad silver band towards the outer edge of the dial and bold applied hour indices, provide a distinctive style which could have been slightly fussy in the hands of lesser dial designers.  The symmetry and contrast between the watch case, dial and original ‘Dauphine’ hands works wonderfully.

This is the original dial, restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered the best in the UK.

The Movement

Regarded by many as the finest automatic movement ever produced by Longines, the Calibre 19 ASD, 19 Jewel automatic movement is an absolute gem. A Swiss lever escapement with Incabloc shock protection and large, screw weighted balance wheel which provides for greater accuracy and finer adjustment. All else being equal, the larger the balance wheel, the more accurate the watch.

If ever one wished to highlight a fine quality automatic watch movement, this would make a first-class example. In fact, the initial impression upon viewing this movement is that it is much more modern than its release date of 1952. The quality of finishing and build is exceptional and better finished than anything offered by Rolex of the same period. For example, each jewel is held in its own threaded gold sleeve, which is then in turn screwed into the plates. This is a much more sophisticated method than those which simply fitted their jewels into drilled holes in the bridges, as was the practice with some Rolex and Omega movements of the same period.

As can be seen, the movement is in tip-top condition having just completed an overhaul and service by our watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected under high magnification then rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required. After testing and final calibration, this watch was running to within +8 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 39hrs.

The movement is correctly signed ‘LONGINES’, with the Calibre number 19AS and the movement serial number 9779677 which dates the watch to 1954.

These movements are robust, reliable and accurate making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3-4 years we would fully expect this watch to provide faithful service for many more decades to come! We are therefore more than pleased and confident to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold watch case feels very heavy and robust. It is of a three piece design with a screw-back, meaning this was specified as a waterproof design and measures a large 35mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected, and lightly hand-polished to bring it to the immaculate condition you see here.

As can be seen, the case-back carries the beautiful Conquest enamel legend showing a starry night at sea. This has some obvious similarities with the case back legend on the Omega Constellation, but here Longines has taken this a stage further with the addition of dark blue enamel finishing.

The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed. This case is completely blemish free and from every viewpoint, there are no scratches dings or other marks visible to the naked eye on this case. Also, the watch case is crisp with clearly defined lugs. This and the condition of the enamel legend indicate this watch has been very carefully and lightly used.

Inside the case-back is correctly signed: Longines, Swiss Made, with the Longines winged hourglass brand. The case also carries Swiss Geneva hallmarks and the Longines model number 9001.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

This watch has been fitted with a new, high quality brown Alligator strap with a matching Longines gold-plated buckle. We feel this suits the watch very nicely, however, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, simply let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range 19mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1954. A detailed written receipt with a 12 month warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The vintage Longines presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

Here we have an important, top of the line vintage watch from one of the most collectable and highly regarded vintage watch brands and this watch will make an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! It is completely practical for use as an everyday watch and as long as it is well looked after and serviced every 3-4 years, it will last another lifetime. It carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch and to buy the same quality today would cost at least three or four times the price here.

However, you may wish to view this, as each year goes by and the world market for fine vintage gold watches grows even larger, the limited supply and high demand means prices will inevitably climb even higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be good value and very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept payment via PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.

Thank you.